Liverpool vs Newcastle Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 31 January

Liverpool will host Newcastle in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday, 31 January. This match is crucial for both sides as they seek vital points in the league standings. Liverpool, renowned for their formidable home record, will aim to make the most of their Anfield advantage. Meanwhile, Newcastle will look to upset the hosts and secure a valuable away win.

The Premier League meeting between Liverpool and Newcastle promises to be an intriguing contest. With both teams eager to climb the league table, this fixture could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. Supporters and punters alike will be keen to see how these teams match up, making it a must-watch encounter this weekend.

Liverpool vs Newcastle Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
More than 1.5 goals in the second half	1.88

Considering the statistics and current form of both teams, our recommended betting tip is ‘Over 1.5 goals’. Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities and Newcastle’s consistent goal-scoring record make this outcome likely.

• Liverpool concede an average of 1.4 goals per match, highlighting a weakness in defence.
• Newcastle have scored in 74% of their matches this season, demonstrating their attacking strength.
• Liverpool have found the net in 73% of their home games, suggesting they are likely to score.

Betting Odds

Liverpool are the favourites at Anfield, with betting odds reflecting their strong home form. Newcastle, however, present attractive odds for those backing an upset, especially given their ability to surprise away from home.

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to win	1.78
Draw	4.01
Newcastle to win	4.09

A draw is also a tempting prospect, with the odds suggesting a closely contested match. Punters might find value in the over 2.5 goals market, considering both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Liverpool Analysis & Recent Performance

Liverpool have displayed strong form in recent matches, recording three wins from their last five fixtures. Their emphatic 6-0 victory over Qarabag FK in the Champions League underlines their attacking strength, with Hugo Ekitike playing a pivotal role as top scorer. This result continues a trend of high-scoring games, with Liverpool netting an impressive 16 goals across their last five outings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Liverpool	Qarabag FK	6 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	Jan 28, 2026
Bournemouth	Liverpool	3 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 24, 2026
Marseille	Liverpool	0 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	Jan 21, 2026
Liverpool	Burnley	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	Jan 17, 2026
Liverpool	Barnsley	4 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	Jan 12, 2026

Recent Form:

• WLWDW

Liverpool’s attack has been particularly effective, averaging 3.20 goals per game over their last five matches. This offensive firepower is complemented by a solid defensive record, conceding just 5 goals and keeping 2 clean sheets in this span. At Anfield, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five home games, with a win ratio of 0.60, highlighting their formidable home advantage. Despite a setback against Bournemouth, their overall form positions them well in the Premier League, currently 6th with 36 points.

Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool are contending with several key absences due to injury. Joel Matip is ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, a significant blow to their defensive options. Stefan Bajcetic, recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to return in early February, leaving a gap in midfield for this match. Ibrahima Konaté is absent for personal reasons but is anticipated to return in a few days. Joe Gomez is also a concern with a knock, though he may be back soon.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joel Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Stefan Bajcetic	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring Injury	Unknown
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Conor Bradley	Knee injury	Out for season
Ibrahima Konaté	Personal reasons	Few days
Federico Chiesa	Knock injury	Doubtful
Joe Gomez	Knock injury	Few days

With Matip and Gomez unavailable, the defensive line will rely heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez, who will need to step up in their absence. Wataru Endo’s inclusion in the starting lineup suggests a tactical adjustment to reinforce the backline. The midfield remains relatively stable, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister likely to maintain their roles, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz provide creativity in advanced positions.

The absence of these players could impact Liverpool’s defensive solidity and overall squad depth, potentially affecting their ability to maintain a high defensive line against Newcastle’s dynamic attack. This situation may prompt tactical changes, such as a more conservative approach to ensure defensive coverage, which could influence betting markets by increasing the likelihood of a tighter, lower-scoring game.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool’s attacking threat this season has been led by their top scorer, Hugo Ekitike, who has scored 8 goals. Ekitike’s clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps will be vital against Newcastle. His partnership with the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah, renowned for his pace and agility, forms a formidable front line capable of troubling any defence.

In midfield, the creative flair of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister will be crucial. Szoboszlai’s vision and Mac Allister’s control of the game’s tempo provide Liverpool with a tactical advantage. At the back, Virgil van Dijk’s leadership and defensive solidity are key, further strengthened by Alisson Becker’s presence in goal.

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defenders: Wataru Endo, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Andrew Robertson
• Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz
• Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo

Expected lineup for Liverpool

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-2-2
• Key Forwards: Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo
• Midfield Creativity: Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz
• Defensive Solidity: Alisson Becker’s leadership in goal
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Liverpool’s 4-2-2-2 formation is designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining control in midfield. With Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister operating as the midfield pivot, Liverpool combine defensive coverage with dynamic forward support. Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz add creativity and width, enabling quick transitions and exploiting defensive gaps.

Defensively, Liverpool depend on the experience of Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson, with Alisson Becker’s shot-stopping abilities providing further security. The inclusion of Wataru Endo and Milos Kerkez adds depth and stability to the backline, crucial for absorbing pressure.

Offensively, Liverpool’s strategy centres on high pressing and rapid counter-attacks. The partnership of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo up front is critical, with Salah’s pace and Gakpo’s positional intelligence offering diverse attacking options.

Newcastle Analysis & Recent Performance

Newcastle approach this fixture with mixed results in their recent matches. Over the last five games, they have managed only one win, alongside two draws and two defeats. Notably, they secured a 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, demonstrating their potential in European competition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Paris Saint-Germain	Newcastle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Aston Villa	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026
Newcastle	PSV Eindhoven	3 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Wolverhampton	Newcastle	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	18 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Manchester City	0 – 2 (Loss)	EFL Cup	13 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking statistics, Newcastle have averaged 0.80 goals per match in their last five encounters, indicating a struggling frontline. Their defence, however, has shown some resilience, conceding an average of 1.00 goal per game and keeping two clean sheets. Despite these defensive positives, their overall win ratio is a concerning 20%.

Away Performance:
On the road, Newcastle’s form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five away games. They concede an average of 1.20 goals per game, highlighting vulnerabilities in defence when away from St James’ Park. Their away win ratio stands at 20%, reflecting the challenges they face away from home.

Key Insights:

• DLWDL

Currently 9th in the league with 33 points, Newcastle’s campaign has been characterised by fluctuating form. Their top scorer, Bruno Guimarães, has been pivotal with 8 goals so far. The team must address their lack of goals and improve their winless streak to climb higher in the standings.

Newcastle Suspensions & Injuries

Newcastle face several injury concerns ahead of their match against Liverpool. Emil Krafth’s knee injury keeps him sidelined until early February 2026, affecting their defensive options, particularly at full-back. Fabian Schär is out with an ankle injury until mid-April 2026, further depleting the defence and requiring Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman to step up in central roles.

Valentino Livramento is unavailable with a hamstring injury until early March 2026, reducing Newcastle’s depth in the wing-back positions. Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy and Bruno Guimarães are both doubtful due to leg injuries, potentially impacting the squad’s attacking and midfield strength. Joelinton, despite a thigh injury, appears in the starting lineup, suggesting he is ready to play through minor fitness concerns.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Emil Krafth	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Jamaal Lascelles	Lack of fitness	Doubtful
Fabian Schär	Ankle injury	Mid April 2026
Valentino Livramento	Hamstring injury	Early March 2026
Jacob Murphy	Leg injury	Doubtful
Bruno Guimarães	Leg injury	Doubtful
Joelinton	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026

These injuries may force Eddie Howe to maintain a conservative 4-3-3 formation, relying on the available starters to compensate for the absentees. The tactical impact is significant; the team may need to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on strengthening their midfield and defensive lines to counter Liverpool’s attacking threat. With several key players missing, Newcastle’s squad depth will be tested, influencing both the match outcome and betting odds.

Newcastle Key Players

Newcastle’s tactical approach will rely heavily on the creativity and goal-scoring ability of Bruno Guimarães. Although listed as doubtful, his role as top scorer with 8 goals this season is crucial. Guimarães’s capacity to dictate play from midfield and his eye for goal make him an essential figure for Newcastle. His interplay with Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, the latter also influential in midfield, could be key to breaking down Liverpool’s defence.

At the back, Kieran Trippier’s leadership and crossing from right-back will be vital for both defensive stability and attacking transitions. In attack, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are expected to provide pace and width, stretching the opposition and creating space for Yoane Wissa, whose agility and finishing will be important in front of goal. The performances of these players will greatly influence Newcastle’s ability to control the match and exploit any defensive weaknesses.

Expected lineup for Newcastle

• Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
• Defence: Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall
• Midfield: Lewis Miley, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
• Forward: Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon

Newcastle Tactics and Formation

Newcastle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Yoane Wissa
• Midfield Engine: Sandro Tonali and Joelinton
• Defensive Resilience: Two clean sheets in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions

Newcastle United’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining defensive solidity. With Nick Pope as the last line of defence, the back four features Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall as full-backs, providing width and crossing opportunities. Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman anchor the central defence, offering height and strength.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton play pivotal roles. Tonali’s vision and passing range allow Newcastle to transition quickly from defence to attack, while Joelinton’s physical presence disrupts the opposition. Lewis Miley complements this duo with energy and work rate, ensuring Newcastle can maintain a high press.

Offensively, the trio of Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa, and Anthony Gordon bring pace and creativity. Wissa, in particular, will be key as the central striker, tasked with finishing chances created from wide areas. Despite recent struggles, including a 0-2 defeat to Aston Villa, Newcastle’s ability to press high and transition quickly can trouble opponents, especially if they capitalise on their speed and agility in the final third.

Liverpool vs Newcastle Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool have dominated the head-to-head record against Newcastle, winning 31 of the last 50 meetings, while Newcastle have managed just 9 victories and there have been 10 draws. The most recent encounter saw Liverpool edge a thrilling 3-2 win at St James’ Park in the Premier League, highlighting their attacking prowess.

The last time these sides met at Anfield, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory in February 2025, also in the Premier League. This fixture has often seen Liverpool make the most of their home advantage, scoring freely against Newcastle.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Newcastle United	Liverpool	2 – 3	Premier League	2025-08-25
Liverpool	Newcastle United	1 – 2	EFL Cup	2025-03-16
Liverpool	Newcastle United	2 – 0	Premier League	2025-02-26
Newcastle United	Liverpool	3 – 3	Premier League	2024-12-04
Liverpool	Newcastle United	4 – 2	Premier League	2024-01-01